Steven Gerrard‘s managerial career has been a stark contrast to his illustrious playing days. Hailed by many as the Premier League‘s greatest midfielder, the Liverpool legend has failed to replicate his on-field success in the dugout despite a promising start.
From managing Liverpool‘s U18s to leading Rangers to an unbeaten title-winning season, Gerrard finds himself in the managerial wilderness with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq after suffering the sack from Aston Villa in 2022 after just 11 months in charge.
Now in his second season at the helm, Al-Ettifaq languishes in ninth place in the Saudi Pro League, having lost three of their last four matches. Their most recent defeat was a 2-1 loss to Al-Orobah, witnessed by just 2,532 fans – the lowest home attendance of the season at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium.
This dismal turnout was only marginally better than the 2,281 spectators who watched Al-Etiffaq’s 3-1 victory over Damac in September 2023. It’s certainly a far cry from what Gerrard would have envisaged when he embarked on his coaching journey.
At 44, Gerrard is still relatively young in managerial terms, but his standing in the game has taken a significant hit in recent years. The notion of him once succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool now seems a distant memory. While the former England great has left the door open for a potential return to English football, he does seems content to honour his commitment in the Middle East until at least 2027.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Gerrard recently expressed his dedication to Al-Ettifaq: “When I sign up to something I am loyal. I want to see it out,” he declared. He added: “I would like to continue to build on the work that has been done on and off the pitch so far. I am on the pitch every single day. I am looking at other managers out here, competing against them.
“The league is going to continue to grow and I am in it, I am inside it. Now, I know what you are thinking is it going to help me get back to where I eventually dream of getting back to? That’s for other people to decide.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk